The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners have approved a contract with Design Learned Inc. to assess several aspects of the county’s animal control building.

The contract will bring in consultants to review plumbing, electrical and lighting in the building as well as mechanical options, building options, caging costs and operating costs.

Design Learned specializes in animal-based facilities like veterinary hospitals and animal shelters. Their assessment of the county animal shelter will provide information and insight about how to improve the shelter.

“We’re excited to be a part of this and I can’t wait to see it move forward,” said commissioner Rick Shaffer.

The board also approved a change in funding for a shared grant writer to be used by Park Township. The township will now pay for 5 percent of the annual cost, which includes wages and fringes.

The 5 percent cost share will be used to reduce the county’s 50 percent annual cost of the position. The agreement is for the 2014 calender year and can be renewed on an annual basis.

Lastly, the board on Tuesday also announced the resignation of Beverly Thelen, deputy drain commissioner, effective Feb. 21 of 2014.